Bishop Callahan on Priest Ordination Traditions, First Assignments & Cathedral Renovation

Host Jack Socha talks with Bishop William Patrick Callahan of the Diocese of La Crosse about the recent ordination of three priests, where to watch and hear excerpts online, and what happens after ordination, including the anointing with chrism, the manetergium tradition, the first priestly blessing, and the Mass of Thanksgiving in a priest’s home parish. They discuss how new priests begin ministry, including four years as associate pastors with trained mentoring pastors, and mention one priest’s assignment to Holy Family in Arcadia as a replacement while another priest assists at Casa Hogar in Peru. During breaks, Soscia shares a flood “three boats” story tied to COVID-19 vaccination concerns, promotes RCIA, recounts Boy Scouts rescuing a drowning woman, and notes cathedral renovation progress and fundraising, aiming for completion by December.

00:00 Welcome to the Show

00:45 Ordination Highlights Online

02:22 Chrism and Anointing Hands

04:03 Manetergium and Mothers Gift

06:08 First Mass and Thanksgiving

09:01 First Blessings and Kissing Hands

10:58 In Persona Christi Explained

18:40 Break and Vaccine Story

20:50 First Parish Assignments

22:39 Mentoring New Priests

26:36 Collar Expectations and Learning

28:15 Chaplains and Reaching Teens

30:51 Diocese Work Overview

31:43 RCIA Invitation

32:49 First Priest Assignment

36:56 Life at the Basilica

38:39 Basilica Origin Story

40:58 Cathedral Renovation Tour

44:29 Funding and Stewardship

47:46 Rural Ministry Reflections

50:59 Prayer and Blessing

52:05 Boy Scouts Rescue Story

54:48 Stay With Me Dedication